Transport to hospital when in labour?

[Stardust127]

Hi

I’m currently 33+5 weeks and I’m sorting out all the logistics in terms of the birth/labour.

Me and my husband don’t drive and have no nearby support or anyone that could drive me to the hospital when I go into labour. I’ve called a couple of local taxi companies to ask if they’d be happy to take a person in labour to the hospital, one company the lady was very sweet and said of course, but did clarify that it depends who is working when I call so basically I could be told no, it really depends on the discretion of the employee working at the time basically. The next company I called it was an outright and sharp ‘no’.

Although it’s a possibility at any time day or night I don’t fancy getting the train or bus during labour. It’s at least an hour journey. I’ve read that if you call an ambulance they will tell you to make your own way to the hospital unless the baby is literally coming out there and then.

im high risk so i need to absolutely be on the labour ward at the hospital. I’m starting to panic a bit.

thank you for reading and any advice x

Ask your midwife or the consultant what they suggest? If you are high risk and an hour away they might have some thoughts about managing it.

I’d ask the hospital what their suggestion is as PP says. Taxi company can say no, public transport if you had a quick labour not ideal, you’re right in that ambulance isn’t correct either unless you’re basically pushing, it may be something that patient transport could accommodate.

I have had an ambulance twice in labour, the first time it was morning rush hour, no taxis available and contractions were less than 5 mins and lasting a minute so they sent one and told us not to feel bad about calling. I had taken an taxi in earlier during the night before and then gone home again because I wasn't dilated enough. The taxi driver was very kind.

Second time my waters broke as I got in the car to go in (I was probably already in transition prior to this point) and my contractions went back to back, couldn't sit due to the pain and high risk due to trial of VBAC, so ambulance called, on blue lights to hospital was 10cm and pushing on arrival.

Where do you live OP? Contact your parish council who may have numbers for the local volunteer drivers.

To be honest though, one of you needs to learn to drive if you live somewhere remote. Once your baby is born there could (will) be numerous instances when you need transport. A poorly baby and no taxis available is no fun.

I worried about this but in the end it was fine on both occasions. Neither taxi asked whether I was in labour and they dropped us at the maternity ward no problem. I am not sure they even knew. I did take a pad to sit on in case my waters broke.

Same! Just called an uber and didn’t mention it. Sat on a towel just in case

I took a black cab. Wouldn't even have occurred to me that a taxi wouldn't take me. I didn't mention being pregnant/in labour when I booked. I wanted a black cab as easier, but I do live in a big city.
I did take a towel to sit on just in case.

I wouldn't over think it, and just call a taxi and give your destination.

If you are well enough to take a taxi, get a taxi. I wouldn't tell them you are in labour because they'll likely think you are crowning 😂 If you are too far gone, an ambulance.

I just took an Uber, and sat on an incontinence bed sheet! Our driver was very sweet and apologised after every speed bump 😂

My plan was 100% taxi - I’m fairly sure it was for all of my local friends, as we’re in central London and hardly anyone has a car. It never occurred to me to check, and I’ve never heard of anyone having an issue.

In the end I had ELCSs so not an issue, but really, I’d cross this off your worry list.

I took a taxi, didn't mention I was in labour and they didn't ask.

Even if you’re having contractions every five minutes, that’s four minutes when you’re absolutely fine and no issues.
I’d use them to get out to the taxi, get comfortable and be three minutes down the road before the next one hits!
Assuming you’re travelling with your birth partner, they can handle everything else. I’d consider wearing headphones and an eyemask so you can keep that oxytocin bubble safe and it makes it obvious you’re not interested in any conversations 😅

Taxi, don’t discuss and have some puppy pads ready.

Not sure where you are op but towns and villages offer have a driver scheme, you pay a set amount per mile. Otherwise just don’t tell the cab driver, that said you have to prebook cabs a week in advance here.

I hope you get it sorted, not in my time but I saw a FB post the other day and people were reminiscing how it was routine to get an ambulance for this l years ago.

Sadly not just for pregnancy but most hospital visits you're expected to find your own way and it 's not always easy.

Do you have any neighbours? Most people would help - I would even if it was a neighbour I don’t really know. Failing that, call a taxi but don’t tell them you are in labour. Once the journey is underway it might become obvious but early stages you’ll likely manage ok.

Well parents could learn to drive. It’s a useful skill.

1st I was taken in by ambulance I was already 8cm dilated when they arrived.
I didn't know I was even in labour no pains at all. The ambulance was called because I had callapsed.
2nd mil drove me to the hospital
3rd and 4th I went in a taxi has was booked to be induced

Wow, bet she's never thought of this before! You're a genius.

For free? And a free car?
Oh wait.. .

Taxi is fine. And very common.

I didn't learn how to drive until after my son was born and I used a taxi when I was in labour, I just didn't tell them that I was in labour.

They aren't going to be able to do that between now and due date

We took a taxi and I was very clearly in labour. Just called one when it was needed.

agree though that this sounds very difficult later on - what’s the plan if your child needs to go to hospital? I live in a city so plenty of my friends don’t drive but there are multiple hospitals and multiple buses.

I took a taxi with my husband. My midwife had previously advised to just call one but not say anything about being pregnant.

So when the time came, we called for one went outside to wait for it. I hid behind a bush, contracting like a mofo. It pulled up. We got in and gave the address and I kept quiet! Half way there I had to ask my husband to tell the driver to go easy over some speed bumps. I was breathing so loudly it was clear I was in labour. When we got out I walked as fast as I could to the entrance. I looked over my shoulder to see driver had got out and was leaning in the rear door I had just exited from, examining the back seat 😂 presumably for the contents of my uterus. My waters had in fact broken at home so all good!

So yeah, wear a pad and don’t say anything if you can help it!

We could drive, but didn’t have a car.

The OP has said there are plenty of trains or buses... she doesn't fancy getting one whilst in labour. I'm sure she would if it was the only option.